The Azimar Archives Book One- The Book of Death

Mothlenor

Mothlenor quickened his steps at the sight of the Matriarch. He'd heard a bit of the commotion of her arrival from his open tower window, but it wasn't until his guard had returned with news of Nevina's arrival that Mothlenor rose from his desk and descended his tower to the castle proper. She's early today. Always subverting me, that Coven witch. She must have rented a room, to get here so soon. It's unlikely that the Coven keeps themselves so close to the castle. But still... He made a mental note to have her followed as she left the castle. The former Matriarch had always been so careful to arrive at different times of the day, and from different locations. It had been impossible to figure out the location of the Coven. Perhaps the newest Matriarch wouldn't be so careful...

"Lady Nevina!" Mothlenor called, drawing her attention to him. He was almost glad to see the startled way she turned to look at him, until her lips pressed together into a thin frown. "I'm glad you were able to reach the castle so easily this morning." He came to a stop a few feet from her, bowing in greeting. The scent of her wafted to him, and he breathed it in, letting it roll over him. She always smelled of rose oil and unspent arcane energy, a combination that always seemed to remind him of Nevina. "I see our fine commander has escorted you here. Should I announce you to my brother?"

"That won't be necessary, Mothlenor." Nevina's voice was polite enough, but he could hear an anxious edge to it. "Hasani is in with him now, and will announce me momentarily."

Mothlenor scowled, but continued. "Then perhaps I can have someone wait to escort you out of the castle? I'm sure you've found some fitting accommodations here in the inner city?"

Nevina smirked slightly, a trait which both infuriated and aroused him. "Actually, Ajax has agreed to escort me, but thank you for the offer."

Ajax moved slightly at her words, glancing quickly between them, saying nothing.

"Ajax?" First name only? "I see. Perhaps you can join us for dinner before you leave, then?" Mothlenor could feel his anger rising, but he held it in check.

Nevina frowned, clasping her hands neatly in front of her. "I'm sorry, but I'm not sure Areanath and I will make it to dinner tonight. We have much to discuss. I'm sure you can understand."

Now that was a surprise. An entire day with Areanath? What could they possibly need to discuss? Unless...

Mothlenor dismissed the thought before it had even fully formed. The idea of such a young Matriarch taking on his brother as an infatuate was laughable. Nevara, perhaps. Areanath even deserved such an old crone as a lover. But Nevina? Never.

"Then, do you mind terribly if I call in with my brother for a moment?" Just as he asked, the door to Areanath's chambers opened, and Hasani stepped out into the hall. His brother's adviser held the door to Areanath's rooms open, looking from Mothlenor to the Matriarch and back again. Mothlenor only gave him a cursory look before addressing Nevina again. "There's something I would like to discuss with my brother, and it's too urgent to wait until tomorrow."

"The King is expecting the Matriarch..." Hasani began, but his voice trailed as Mothlenor turned to stare at him.

"It will only take a moment," Mothlenor growled. He looked once again to Nevina, breathing deeply before adding, "I insist, Matriarch."

"Let him in, Hasani." Areanath's cool voice called from the open doorway. He sounded almost annoyed at Mothlenor's insistence.

He has nothing to be annoyed with. Mothlenor bowed stiffly to Nevina again. "I thank you, Matriarch. I hope you can find your way to the castle again soon. Your company is enjoyed here, as I'm sure you know."